Redback Networks, an Ericsson company (NASDAQ:ERIC) that develops IP–based routers and switches for 75+ percent of the world´s largest telephone carriers, today introduced a new line of smart Ethernet switches to accelerate the unification of fixed and mobile networks.
Redback is introducing the SM 480, a smart Ethernet switch for fixed and mobile carriers. The new product addresses a $4.7+ billion metro Ethernet market (Heavy Reading). The smart Ethernet switch will be the first in a family of carrier Ethernet products from Redback and Ericsson with future terabit switching capacity over time. The SM series is designed to simplify network architectures, lower carrier costs, and unify networks for fixed and mobile carriers.
"Operators worldwide are embracing carrier Ethernet switch/routers as solutions of choice for packet–based network and service convergence," said Stan Hubbard, a senior analyst at communications research firm, Heavy Reading. "With the introduction of the SM 480, Redback appears well positioned to help accelerate global adoption of carrier Ethernet in metro networks to support fast–growing, Ethernet–based business, residential triple–play, and mobile backhaul services."
"Ericsson is the leading provider of mobile infrastructure, and customers are eager for a solution that combines Redback´s IP–over–Ethernet innovation with Ericsson´s mobile expertise," said Steve Murray, VP of product management at Redback Networks. "The SM 480 was developed to allow carriers to build a converged, Ethernet/IP Metro network optimized for the transport of fixed and mobile traffic. It was designed to simplify network architectures, lower operational costs, and provide "˜service aware´ transport for fixed and mobile carriers."
The smart Ethernet switch from Redback and Ericsson retains a subset of the features from Redback´s SmartEdge® family of routers. The SM series is also designed to work in conjunction with other Redback and Ericsson products for fixed and mobile carriers.
UNIFIED NETWORKS ACCELERATE THE PATH TO FULL SERVICE BROADBAND
As fixed and mobile networks are consolidated, most communications services will be unified over time. In fact, the future of IP networks may be one ubiquitous broadband subscription, one telephone number and one TV service. These and other IP–based services may roam like your cell phone over any fixed or mobile network. This is the power of full service broadband from Ericsson, the world´s largest telecom vendor.
The SM 480 smart Ethernet switch can be used to build metro aggregation and transport networks. Advanced features include:
- Innovative Layer 2 subscriber management for wholesale and retail broadband services
- Higher levels of QoS and reliability for high–demand video and data applications
- More point–to–point (MPLS PW) and multi–point (VPLS) Ethernet services for the enterprise
- SLA measurement techniques and standards–based fault management; and
- Reliable IP over Ethernet architecture boosting network availability and reducing downtime
In related news, Redback is introducing "in–service software upgrades" (ISSU) across its entire family of SmartEdge routers and switches. The new capabilities allow carriers to upgrade the operating system for broadband routers and switches without taking them out of service. The IP innovation behind the SmartEdge platform is at the center of Ericsson´s efforts to deliver full service broadband.
Redback will be demonstrating the SM 480 smart Ethernet switch at NXTcomm in booth #SU–7410 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, June 16–19.
About Redback Networks
An Ericsson company since January 2007 (NASDAQ:ERIC), Redback Networks has sold 107+ million broadband subscriber licenses to 75 percent of the top 20 telephone carriers worldwide. Redback delivers next generation broadband services such as VoIP, IPTV, on–demand video, and online gaming. Redback Networks has more than 500 carrier customers worldwide and is based in San Jose, CA. For more information, visit Redback Networks at www.redback.com.
About Ericsson
Ericsson is the world´s leading provider of technology and services to telecom operators. The market leader in 2G and 3G mobile technologies, Ericsson supplies communications services and manages networks that serve more than 185 million subscribers. The company´s portfolio comprises mobile and fixed network infrastructure and broadband and multimedia solutions for operators, enterprises and developers. The Sony Ericsson joint venture provides consumers with feature–rich personal mobile devices.
Ericsson is advancing its vision of "˜communication for all´ through innovation, technology, and sustainable business solutions. Working in 175 countries, more than 70,000 employees generated revenue of USD 27.9 billion (SEK 188 billion) in 2007. Founded in 1876 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Ericsson is listed on the Stockholm, London and NASDAQ stock exchanges. For more information, visit www.ericsson.com or www.ericsson.mobi. Read more at http://www.ericsson.com
